10 great versions of the UK's best-selling used cars we found this week

Creeping into the best-selling used cars list with 32,540 shifted so far in 2024 is the BMW 1er. It’s been a fairly consistent presence on the charts since it first released back in 2004, mostly thanks to humdrum versions like the 118i and so on. But you don't want humdrum. You want something like this M140i. This one's also a sought-after ‘Shadow Edition’ model, so you get a bit more dynamic balance and around 335bhp to play with. They’re known to bite, though, so do proceed with caution.

Next up with 36,883 sold this year is the Nissan Qashqai - one of the most boringly well-made cars money can buy. But that’s probably why it’s regularly featured on these sorts of lists. And also because it’s actually… rather good-looking now, especially with those sharp light signatures. Here’s our pick for a go-to example.

One of the last true superminis left standing… even if it’s not particularly small these days. Used Polos have swapped hands 37,464 times already in 2024 and it looks a good bet to maintain the strong form as its main rivals continue to be squeezed out of existence. Anyone for a metallic blue GTI with more options than the average English Breakfast? Click on this.

Our first 40-thousand-plus seller, filling the UK's roads with worthy but forgettable small petrol and diesel offerings. You're better than that. Remember the days when the Astra VXR was associated with silly torque steer and all-around juvenile behaviour? Yeah, you're better than that, too. Its much tauter follow-up was actually a decent hot hatch, so here’s a track-focused one with over 310bhp sent to those front wheels.

Not surprising in the slightest, given the 3 Series has been a routine chart-topper since the days when Archimedes walked the streets of Syracuse. It’s just a very good car: well-built, smart, prudent with fuel and, of course, it’s been doing these things for nearly 50 years. Ascend the ranks of the corporate 320d fleet special and get yourself a baby M-car in the shape of this 340i M Sport Touring.

Creeping into the top five is the Mini, and if configurability is a big thing for the 3er, it’s an even bigger factor for this long-serving hatch. There are an estimated 9.6 billion colour, trim and spec combinations on offer, but one version that’s always stood out for us is the raucous ‘GP’. This one doesn’t top out until 164mph, and more importantly, has all the mechanical bells and whistles it needs to rearrange your organs when the road gets twisty. Right on.

Another regular presence on used car best-sellers lists. Can't imagine a world where the Golf isn’t, to be honest. We doubt that’ll happen until Volkswagen ceases operations full stop… and that’s not looking likely any time soon. The Golf also makes a huge leap from the Mini’s number, with nearly 59,000 used versions sold within the first eight months of this year already. Here’s a menacing ‘R’ for you to ponder over.

Ford’s going to kill the Focus at some point, which might be the second most depressing thing it’s done over the last few years. It would feel wrong to live in a Britain where it’s no longer being produced, but, thankfully, Ford sold so many on these shores that we’re not short on examples to keep the party going. This modified ‘RS’ should strike a chord with a few of you lot.

Alas, we reach the penultimate car on our list and one that’s been a high-achiever almost every year for what feels like the last few centuries now. The Corsa is easy to appreciate by both newbies and experienced road users alike because it’s cheap to insure (a big plus right now), cheap to maintain and has blossomed into an adorable little thing. Unless you opt for an older Nürburgring Edition, that is, which is more angry puppy than standard.

There’s something bittersweet about the top two cars being frugal, basic superminis since there are so few left on the market. It almost seems like… the UK quite likes them. Anyway, this is the single most depressing thing Ford has done over the last few years since Fiestas have done more for these plains than just about any other car outside, perhaps, the Transit. This 100-mile ST-3 is a prime example of the very last generation. Where are those damn tissues?